What to know when moving to Durham, NC
Durham at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 50.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree and 70.7% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $66,852, providing a solid financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3.9% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for about $1,279 a month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Durham has a population of 24,881, a mix of renters and homeowners, with 70.7% renting their homes. The education level is notable, with over half of residents holding a bachelor's degree. Despite this, the poverty rate stands at 20%, which might concern potential movers. With an annual precipitation of 44.4 inches and 118 rainy days, you might want to invest in a good umbrella.
Probably not your spot if: high housing costs and a significant poverty rate are deal-breakers for you.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,279, which might be manageable compared to national averages.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $457,600, indicating a higher cost for homebuyers.
- 50.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree, suggesting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 20%, highlighting some economic disparity within the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In North Carolina, property crime rates are high but have seen a decrease. The state annual property crime rate is 1,780.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 15.1% higher than the national rate. Violent crime also shows a slight reduction, with a rate of 321 per 100,000 residents, just under the national average.
- Violent crime: 321 per 100k (vs. national 325.3, trend down 21.5% since 2022)
- Property crime: 1,780.6 per 100k (vs. national 1,546.9, trend down 15.1% since 2022)
- Notable trend: Homicide rate decreased by 23.2% since 2022, currently at 6.4 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to schools in the area is strong, with a total of 10 institutions nearby. Notable options include:
- Duke University
- North Carolina Central University
- Durham Technical Community College
- Bull City Durham Beauty and Barber College
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Durham County receives about 44.4 inches of rain annually, with 118 rainy days. The area enjoys four distinct seasons, with a relatively low snowfall of just 0.4 inches per year and only 3 snow days.
- Eno River State Park - 4.8 stars, 2,629 reviews
- Durham Bulls Athletic Park - 4.8 stars, 5,555 reviews
- Museum of Life and Science - 4.7 stars, 1,930 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.